Steering Torque Application for Driver Wakefulness Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driver wakefulness and steering retention state judging technologies are ineffective on straight roads where the frequency of steering wheel operation is low, making it difficult to accurately assess driver wakefulness and steering retention.
Innovation Solution
A system that applies torque to the steering wheel using a torque application unit, with sensors to detect steering angle and torque, allowing for continuous assessment of steering retention state and wakefulness by analyzing changes in steering angle and torque over time, and triggering alerts or corrections when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If driver wakefulness is estimated based on steering behavior data, then wakefulness can be assessed during active steering, but on straight roads with low steering frequency, considerable time is required to recognize the driving state
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary torque to the steering wheel at predetermined intervals to proactively elicit a steering response from the driver. This allows the system to obtain steering behavior data on demand rather than waiting for natural steering operations, thereby reducing the time required to assess driver wakefulness while maintaining estimation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the driver's own steering response to applied torque as the basis for wakefulness estimation. By having the driver naturally respond to the torque application, the system obtains authentic steering behavior data without requiring additional sensors or external inputs, enabling accurate assessment within a short time frame
2Measurement precision
If torque is applied to the steering wheel to elicit steering response, then steering retention state can be accurately judged, but the system complexity increases due to additional torque application mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The torque application unit serves multiple functions: it applies torque to elicit steering responses for wakefulness assessment, provides feedback torque for steering assistance, and can be used for vehicle stability control. By making the torque application mechanism multi-functional, the patent avoids adding dedicated hardware solely for wakefulness assessment, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback control where the torque application unit applies torque based on detected steering state, and the resulting steering wheel movement is measured to assess driver retention. This feedback loop enables accurate assessment while using existing control system components, reducing the need for additional complex hardware
Data Source
AI summary
This steering wheel retention state judging device includes: a torque application unit that applies a torque on a steering wheel of a vehicle, the steering wheel operated by a driver; an angle sensor that detects a steering angle of the steering wheel; and a steering wheel retention state judging unit that judges a retention state of the steering wheel by the driver based on the steering angle of the steering wheel when the torque is applied by the torque application unit.